Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist is a specialist dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through their teenage years. The very young, preteens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development and helping them avoid future dental problems. Pediatric dentists are best qualified to meet these needs.

Dr. Carol A. French, DMD and her staff are trained and qualified to treat special patients who may have emotional, physical, or mental handicaps. Because of this specialized training and commitment to comprehensive oral health, many parents choose our pediatric dentists to treat their children.

Services We Provide

New patients are currently being accepted, including special needs patients. Parents are welcome to remain with the children during all our treatment procedures. Emergency care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Note to New Patients: Our office requests that if you are visiting us for the first time, you print out our required new patients forms and bring them with you prior to your appointment. By filling out your forms in advance you will save time at the waiting room, allowing us to continue providing fast, affordable care.

Infant Dietary Counseling and Home Care Instructions

Consultations and Second Opinions

Cleaning and Fluoride

Sealants

Space Maintainers

Habit Control Appliances

Esthetic Fillings (Tooth Colored)

Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings)

Tooth Colored Zirconium Crowns for both front and back teeth

Stainless Steel Crowns

Nitrous Oxide Analgesia (Laughing Gas)

Conscious Sedation for the Young and/or Fearful Patient

Hospital Dentistry

Special Needs Children

Safety and Sterilization

Your child's health and safety are foremost in our minds. We utilize the most effective control measures and comply with OSHA standards for sterilization. We maximize the use of disposables and autoclave all of our hand instruments.

Oral Hygiene and Prevention

Good oral hygiene and routine preventive care are very important to your child's overall health. In South Carolina, some of the top reasons for children to visit the health room nurse are dental-related problems.

Dr. French encourages parents to participate in their child's oral hygiene routine every night until the child is 12 years old. Brushing and flossing are essential to a good oral hygiene program. Good oral hygiene can significantly reduce the formation of decay and the number of cavities your child may have in a lifetime. When teeth are not clean, the decay-causing acids formed by the bacteria in the mouth cause the enamel to weaken and become more susceptible to decay.

Proper brushing and flossing is the key to the prevention of decay. Parents must help with these important skills each night. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child be seen by the pediatric dentist by 12 months of age. Even though your child may not have many teeth at this time, it is important for the pediatric dentist to examine your child's mouth to make sure that no problems exist or may be encountered. Routine examinations are encouraged every six months thereafter.

Between 10 and 12 months of age, be sure to substitute the baby bottle for a cup. From this age on, never let your child fall asleep with the bottle or sippy cup as this may lead to severe decay known as "nursing bottle decay." If you have any questions on the oral health of your child, please do not hesitate to call our office.